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Antoinette “Toni” Gray November 4, 1932 - August 7, 2024 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Antoinette “Toni” Gray, on August 7, 2024 at the age of 91. Preceded in death by her husband, Russell Gray, III, and her parents, Nicholas and Archangel Urbano, Toni is survived by her children Andrea Gray (Neil Desnoyers) and Russell Gray, IV (Kim) Russell, and sisters Alma Parisi (Roberto), Charlotte Urbano (Bill Madson) and Rosemarie O’Rourke (Michael). Toni spent her early years in South Philadelphia where she was a student at the Stephen Girard Elementary School. Summers were spent in Lambertville, New Jersey where she and her sister, Alma, enjoyed time with cousins while staying with their aunt and uncle. High school was a time for making lasting friendships. As a graduate of West Philadelphia High School’s class of 1950, Toni maintained close contact with classmates and attended reunions until her health no longer allowed her to do so. Toni made her mark in retail working in women’s clothing stores until her children were born. Rising from a sales person to a manager and buyer at Reeds in Ardmore, Toni lived the life of a career woman before it was fashionable to do so. Later, Toni used the skills she developed as a buyer of women’s clothing to manage stock inventory at Honeywell’s Valley Forge office. Working alongside her sister, Rosemarie, Toni made many lasting friendships. No stranger to adventure, Toni enjoyed traveling during her retirement. Alongside friends, she visited many parts of the US. Her extensive collection of refrigerator magnets is a testament to far reaching travels. Summer travels to Maine to visit her sister, Charlotte, provided time to relax and connect with family. Not content to stay stateside, Toni and friends visited Europe, even stopping in Italy to see her sister, Alma, as well traveling in and around Central America. River cruises, however, were her favorite form of travel. Toni’s greatest accomplishment was as a mother. Her husband’s passing at an early age left her to raise two children on her own. Her parents; Nicholas and Archangel, and her sisters; Alma, Charlotte, and Rosemarie, were a constant support but Toni ran the parenting show. Involved in every aspect of her childrens’ lives, Toni was a loving guide and never micromanaged. She gave her children room to grow and thrive and is loved fiercely for that. Her family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Paoli Hospital and to our dear friend and caretaker, Nancy Funke. Your love and care made all the difference. A graveside service during which her ashes will be laid to rest next to her husband will be held at Valley Forge Memorial Gardens on Friday, August 16 at 11:00 followed by lunch at Toni’s house. The family welcomes others to share stories of love, laughter, and joy during the service

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Antoinette "Toni" Gray

November 4, 1932 - August 7, 2024